Entries open for 2017 NZ Hi-Tech Awards

The Hi-Tech Awards recognise the achievers of the NZ Hi-Tech industry from the start-up and emerging categories through to the coveted PwC Company of the Year, which was won in 2016 by Vista Group.

Additional categories recognise excellence in the product sectors covering software, services, hardware, mobile, creative and Agritech, as well as Maori Innovation, which was a new category in 2016 and drew a record number of entrants.

Wayne Norrie, NZ Hi-Tech Trust Chair, says the aim of the Hi-Tech Awards is to acknowledge, recognise and celebrate excellence within the New Zealand Hi-Tech industry, which is the third largest export earner in the country and the fastest growing export sector. The Awards increase the awareness of the contribution the tech sector makes to the New Zealand economy and the country as a whole.

“The 2016 Awards programme has been the most successful to date, with a record number of new entrants and more than 900 people attending the sold-out Gala Awards Dinner. We are looking to continue this momentum as we open for the 2017 Awards and the Gala Dinner on the 12th May next year will be a fitting finale to Techweek ’17 which is being run by NZ Tech and supported by ATEED, MBIE, NZTE and WREDA.”

“For 2017 we’ve refined some of the entry criteria to make the awards more accessible to a greater number of companies. Also new for 2017 is that people now have the opportunity to nominate companies and individuals that they think are worthy of entering,” says Norrie.

Norrie said that one of the reasons that the Hi-Tech Awards are held in such high regard is the expertise and vigour of the judging panels.

“Entries are securely reviewed by our high-profile panels of local and international judges. Details for the 2017 judging panels will be announced early in the New Year,” says Norrie.